/ Flooding operation begins recovery phase

Last updated on 27/12/2015 11:57:27 AM

The multi-agency response to wide-spread flooding across Greater Manchester has now turned into a recovery operation.

Heavy rain spread across Greater Manchester in the early hours of Boxing Day causing wide-spread flooding across the region with the worst affected areas including Bury, Bolton, Salford, Rochdale and Wigan.

The rain has now stopped and the water levels are beginning to drop, with roads and transport services starting to return to normal.

A number of multi-agency strategy meetings were held throughout the day and evening on Boxing Day to constantly review the response and ensure that the right areas were being prioritised and getting the help they needed.

At the latest strategy meeting this morning, it was determined that the flooding operation is now in the recovery phase and work is being done to help return to normality.

Thousands of homes across Rochdale and hundreds in Bury were affected by power cuts, with around 5,000 homes in Rochdale and a large number in Bury still without power.

Electricity North West is currently working to resolve the matter and, for the latest updates, customers should continue to check their website.

Hundreds of homes in Salford were evacuated after the River Irwell burst its banks and an information centre has been set up for those affected in the area at the Beacon Centre on London Street, Salford.

Assistant Chief Constable John O’Hare said: “We are now entering the recovery phase of the operation and a lot of work is being done to return Greater Manchester to normality.

“There is still a lot of work to be done in some areas so this phase may take some time but the emergency services and local authorities will continue to work tirelessly to help those affected by the floods.

“A lot of work has been put in not only by a number of agencies but also mountain rescue teams and the local communities and I would like to pay thanks and tribute to everybody who has been involved for the spirit and team work that they have shown in helping those in need.”

Forever Manchester has launched a flood recovery appeal page to raise funds for those affected by the floods. Donations to the page can be made at the link below.